Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience, where “Pétros ení” in Greek means “Peter is here”, is a new immersive experience set up inside Saint Peter’s Basilica. The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Fabbrica di San Pietro, Microsoft, and Iconem, with the aim of offering visitors a unique journey through the history and spirituality linked to the Basilica.
The exhibition itinerary unfolds inside the Octagonal Halls, historic spaces located within one of the pillars supporting the Dome. These halls have been carefully restored and opened to the public for the first time for this occasion.
The narrative develops along two main threads: one reveals the origins and construction of the Basilica around the tomb of Saint Peter, while the other guides visitors through the key moments of the apostle’s life up to his martyrdom. The story of Peter is closely intertwined with that of the Basilica, presented through its transformations across the centuries.
The full experience lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes check-in at the meeting point, the transfer to the Octagonal Halls, the immersive exhibition (approx. 30 minutes). At the end of the experience, you continue with a self-guided visit to the Basilica using the Digital Audio Guide.
Each tour accommodates a maximum of 14 participants, even from different bookings. Children aged 6 and under are not counted toward the maximum limit.
Yes, any remaining availability can be purchased at the Basilica ticket offices.
Visits are available from Monday to Saturday.
Online time slots can be booked every 30 minutes:
first slot: 08:00–08:30
last slot: 17:00–17:30
The service is not available on Sundays.
All visits are conducted in English, except for the following time slots available in Italian:
10:00–10:30
12:30–13:00
15:30–16:00
17:00–17:30
All visits are available in English.
The following time slots are available in Italian:
10:00–10:30
12:30–13:00
15:30–16:00
17:00–17:30
Yes, a reduced rate is available for children and teenagers aged 7 to 17. Children aged 0 to 6 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
The visit is recommended for children aged 6 and up. Children and teens under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is not mandatory but strongly recommended, as daily availability is limited.
Online bookings are available up to 24 hours before the scheduled visit time.
After that, any remaining availability can be purchased exclusively at the on-site ticket counters.
No, it is not possible to modify the name, date, or time once the booking is confirmed. Please carefully check all details before finalizing your purchase.
Immediately after booking, you will receive Email No. 1 with the VOUCHER confirming your services. Next, you will receive Email No. 2 with the QR Codes for all participants, to be shown during access checks. QR Codes are mandatory for entry. If you do not receive Email No. 2 within 30 minutes of booking (check your spam folder), please write to booking@basilicasanpietro.va indicating your TIE-xxxx reference number.
On the day of your visit to the Basilica, you can always retrieve the access QR Codes and those for the Digital Audio Guides at https://myqr.basilicasanpietro.va by entering your email and the information found in the confirmation voucher.
You must arrive at the online booking access point, marked by the Gazebo in Saint Peter’s Square, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time, to allow for security checks and QR Code verification. The email with the QR Codes includes a map showing all access points along the dedicated route.
Entry after your scheduled time is not permitted. In case of delays, admission will be denied and the ticket will not be valid or refundable. Visitors are therefore strongly advised to respect their scheduled time slot.
The online booking includes:
- Personalized time slot
- Elevator access to the level of the Octagonal Halls
- Visit to the multimedia installation Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience
- Access to the Vatican Grottoes
- Entry to Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Digital Audio Guide for the Basilica visit
Bags, backpacks, and cameras are not allowed inside the Octagonal Halls. Taking photos or videos inside the immersive exhibition is strictly prohibited.
Currently, a cloakroom service is not available. Only a stroller storage area is available under the Basilica’s portico.
It is permitted to bring a mobile phone, but it may not be used to take photos or record videos during the exhibition.
The immersive exhibition includes lighting effects and videos that may cause issues for photosensitive individuals. Backpacks and bags are also not permitted inside the Octagonal Halls.
Yes, the experience includes lighting effects and video projections that may cause reactions in people affected by photosensitive epilepsy. Particular caution is recommended.
No, it is not permitted to reach Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience independently. Access is granted exclusively through the dedicated Meeting Point indicated on the map received by email. From the Meeting Point, visitors are accompanied by the assigned staff along a dedicated route. It is not possible to access the exhibition without the guidance of authorised staff, nor is it permitted to leave the group during the visit.
Follow the dedicated signage or ask for help from authorized staff, easily identifiable by their yellow vests. The Meeting Point is inside the Welcome Area, right after the Testimonium desk.
Additionally, the email with your QR Codes includes a detailed map with directions to the Meeting Point.
Late arrivals will not be admitted under any circumstances. Entry is strictly tied to the reserved time slot. If you miss your appointment, the ticket will not be valid or refundable.
Yes, the visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica with the Digital Audio Guide is included in the Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience reservation.
At the end of the exhibition, visitors will be escorted to the Welcome Area to begin the self-guided tour of the Basilica, which starts 60 minutes after the scheduled entry to Pétros ení: Saint Peter’s Digital Experience. The route starts at the Vatican Grottoes and includes 12 stops, with a total duration of about 60 minutes.
Yes, visitors are advised to maintain silence and respectful behavior throughout the experience. You must always follow the instructions of authorized staff, and it is not permitted to leave the group during the visit.
For further clarification or support with your booking, our Visitor Assistance team is available to answer any additional questions.
You can contact us by email at booking@basilicasanpietro.va or call the Online Booking Office at +39 06 9612 4006.
Yes, any remaining availability can be purchased at the physical ticket offices.
The ticket offices are not subject to online allotments or stop sales.